Over 250 dental professionals attended the joint Dental Protection and schülke conference – Premier Symposium – for an insight into the challenges of complex clinical, ethical and dento-legal issues.

Dental Protection and European leader in cross-infection schülke have extensive experience in supporting dentists with challenges facing their practice. They jointly hosted the conference on Saturday 29 November to prepare delegates for the key issues common to dentistry and aid safer practice.

Dental Director at Dental Protection, Kevin Lewis said:

This year’s conference provided excellent insight and provoked discussion around five important topical issues facing dentists; communication, patient medications, tooth wear, infection control and competency.

Dentists are dedicated to providing exceptional clinical care, and we hope that we enhanced their skills and awareness to manage the ever-evolving landscape they will encounter throughout their careers.

The speakers included:

Professor John Gibson, Professor of Medicine in Relation to Dentistry and Honorary Consultant in Oral Medicine, Glasgow University

In describing the dynamic interface between medicine and dentistry, John touched on many of the advances in medicine that directly impact on the work of the dental team, including the recent NICE announcement about antimicrobials.

Ken Hemmings, Consultant and Specialist in Restorative Dentistry, Eastman Dental Hospital

In a concise overview of the causes and management of tooth wear, Ken left the audience with the confidence to manage many of the issues in general practice.

Paul Jenkins, North Bristol NHS Trust Decontamination Manager

In light of the recent Daybrook Practice episode, the updated role of the CQC and the prevailing infection control guidelines offered a rich seam for discussion and learning.

Dr Mark O’Brien, International Medical Education Consultant, Medical Protection Society

By inviting the audience to address their own attitudes and behaviours when things go wrong, Mark enabled his audience to develop a series of practical strategies to use with dissatisfied patients in their practice complaints process.

Professor Callum Youngson, Honorary Consultant in Restorative Dentistry, University of Liverpool

In addition to challenging some widely-held myths about competency and the demands of a competitive dental market, Callum offered a stimulating and entertaining approach to avoiding litigation and complaints.